I am stressing out big time over getting this done. I have three places that I called and could really use some guidance on the best option. I’m in NY so I know that these prices may seem high to some, but this is about the average that I’ve found it to be around here and am willing to pay as long as they do a good job!

1 – the bridal salon where I purchased my gown. They send it out to be cleaned. It’s a flat rate of $295 and includes cleaning and preservation. Can’t watch them put gown in box, but the box has a clear window so you can see your gown.

2 – local cleaners that have been around for 50 years. $250-375 depending on material, layers, beading. Clean and preserved with special air-tight lined cloth/tissue paper. Box is not sealed. Recommended not to expose box to moisture or heat to prevent yellowing. Can watch them put the gown in the box.

3 – Warehouse type place that specializes in cleaning all sorts of materials. They came up on many searches on bridal websites as recommendations. They are about $350 give or take depending on if appliques are glued (this would cost more. I don’t think mine are, but I’m not an expert!). This one uses ph neutral acid free everything, heat seal, AND they replace the oxygen with nitrogen for no yellowing. You can watch them put the gown in the box.

I called the local cleaners again and confirmed that the do not replace the air. She said they don’t do this because they found that sometimes some oxygen was left in there and only those parts would yellow, creating spots.

So is it better to have the whole thing potentially yellow or just some spots get yellow? Am I looking too much into this?! What did you do and what was your experience like?